Which stylish family car for about €20,000?

Hi,

We are looking to purchase a new car and we're not sure where to start. We have a 2019 Dacia Sandero and a 2004 Skoda Octavia and are thinking of trading both in for something decent if we can manage with one car (we both work from home frequently and use public transport if needed). Aiming for a budget of about €20,000.

We have older children now, so we need something spacious for family outings or journeys. Any advice would be great thanks.

Alex O'Halloran (Naas)

Jun 2025 Filed under: choosing used car

---

Expert answer

Hi Alex,

Offline you mentioned you'd like something stylish as well as solid and spacious. One of the first cars that comes to mind is the Audi Q3, which is decently practical, has a premium badge and is plentiful for your budget of about €20,000. I'd urge you to stick with petrol power given your annual mileage of no more than 15,000km.

The BMW X1 would do the same job, but it's very difficult to find one that isn't diesel. Same story with the Audi A6 Avant and BMW 5 Series Touring estates, both of which we'd prefer over an SUV. And same thing for the excellent Volkswagen Arteon.

A hybrid-powered Lexus NX would be a good option for you, as would the Mazda CX-5, though neither are as common in the classifieds as the Audi above.

Have a look at some of those and test drive as many cars as you can.

Come back to us if you'd like us to help narrow down your search.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor